The Atlanta Board of Education Monday voted unanimously to elect Courtney D. English as its new board chairman and Nancy M. Meister as its vice chairwoman, each of whom will serve in their leadership position for two years. English represents at-large Seat 7, which represents Districts 1 and 2, and Meister represents District 4, which includes all Buckhead schools.

The elections were held during the board’s first meeting of the year, when six new members and three returning members were sworn into office to serve four-year terms. The new members are: Leslie Grant, District 1; Matt Westmoreland, District 3; Steven Lee, District 5; Eshé P. Collins, District 6; Cynthia Briscoe Brown, at-large Seat 8, representing Districts 3 and 4; and Jason F. Esteves, at-large Seat 9, representing Districts 5 and 6.

The returning members are: Meister, English and Byron D. Amos, District 2.

The board plays a critical role in governing Atlanta Public Schools, from adopting districtwide policies and approving the annual budget to appointing and evaluating the superintendent. The new board includes former teachers, district alumni, parents of district students and/or community leaders.

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